ECOSF's Natural Building Workshop Series - Artistic Accents

Since the beginning of human settlements people have been using materials from their environment, like earth, stone, wood, and other fibers to build homes, temples, granaries and other useful structures. straw wattle on chicken coop
ECOSF is proud to share this tradition, still practiced widely around the world, of using safe, natural, re-usable materials to build ovens, benches, small structures, sculptures and more!

This monthly workshop series will be a thorough hands-on course in natural building including:

* Materials and techniques (cob, slip straw, wattle, plasters, basic woodworking)
* Advantages and disadvantages compared with conventional, mass produced building practices
* Historical context and global perspective
* Simple structures like ovens, benches, sheds, stoves, chicken coops, sculptures and more

-Part 1: Intro to Natural Building
Feb 18th (see below)
-Part 2: Foundations, Framing, Woodworking and Walls
March 17th
-Part 3: Earthen Plasters and Natural Finishes
April 22nd
-Part 4: Sculpting and Artistic Creations
May 19th

Part 1: Intro to Natural Building

Saturday February 18th 10am-4pm

Cost: $45/person ( $35 if signed up for two sessions, youth under 18 are free!)


Art brings meaning, inspiration and purpose. This session taps into our creative expression as we use the incredible qualities of earth to sculpt, do relief work, and add beautiful mosaic decoration.


Topics will include:


-Intro to Natural Building~history, materials, techniques, applications

-Blending and applying earthen sculpting mix~mixing materials and sculpting relief on earthen walls

-Mosaic Decoration~earthen plaster and mosaic technique



Light refreshments will be provided, bring a lunch and something to share if you'd like.



Space is limited, please RSVP to info [at] eco-sf.org or call (415) 565-9576.



ECOSF is committed to providing access to our workshops , youth under 18 are free, and a limited number of scholarships are available. All proceeds from workshops go directly to supporting our work in schools and the community.